There is no solid evidence or research study that gives information about the steel’s inventor. However, studies, research papers, and books have documented the history of steel production. So, the information presented in these resources can give you an idea about the great minds behind the invention of steel. In today’s article, we will provide you with the historical timeline of steel production. Read on!
13th Century BC
Numerous studies show that steel production started in the 13th century BC. Ancient blacksmiths discovered various properties of iron, including its durability, strength, and hardness. Blacksmiths used coal furnaces to heat the iron and make it harder to use for multiple purposes.
6th Century BC
Blacksmiths and craftsmen in India used innovative methods to produce “Wootz” steel from wrought iron and charcoal using crucibles. The smelting of wrought iron with charcoal led to Wootz steel production in the 6th century BC.
3rd Century AD
The Chinese craftsmen and blacksmiths made substantial efforts to introduce new methods for steel production. The Chinese used various techniques, including the one similar to the Bessemer process, to produce high-quality steel in the 3rd century AD. The Bessemer technique became popular in Europe in the 19th century.
The Medieval Era
In the medieval period, people across the world produced and used steel for construction purposes. For instance, Delhi’s Iron Pillar constructed in 402 AD is an excellent example of steel with rust-resistant capabilities.
Blacksmiths and artisans in the Middle East developed Damascus steel in the 11th century and manufactured sword blades using the material. The manufacturer used Wootz steel imported from South Asian regions, including Sri Lanka and India. The Lankan region was the largest crucible steel supplier in the world by the 12th century.
18th Century
Steel became popular in the 18th century due to its essential use in various applications, including tools, weapons, and armours. Blacksmiths used coke in 1702 to smelt a large quantity of iron for the first time. It was a significant breakthrough because smelted iron had replaced wood and charcoal.
In addition, Thomas Newcomen manufactured the first steam engine in 1712. The steam engine and steel production played a vital role in the initiation of the industrial revolution. Benjamin Huntsman, an English inventor, developed the crucible steel technique in 1740.
In 1779, numerous steel mills were established, thanks to the steam’s reliability, efficiency, and power. Moreover, Henry Cort invented the steel roller to optimize steam production in 1783. Philip Vaughn developed the ball bearing to support the carriage’s axle in 1794.
19th Century
The industrial revolution led to the development of machines for various purposes, including farming and agriculture. Farmers in the U.S used steel machinery on a large scale to streamline agricultural techniques in the early 19th century.
English engineer Henry Bessemer developed and introduced the Bessemer process in 1855. The process or method allowed for mass steel production using molten pig iron. Sir Carl Wilhelm Siemens and Pierre-Emile Martin, a French engineer, introduced the first open-hearth furnace in 1865.
The open-hearth furnace was a major industrial breakthrough in steel manufacturing. The process involved removing excess carbons and other contaminants from the pig iron to produce steel.
Moreover, Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist, played a significant role in speeding up steel production in the 1860s after the American civil war. Robert Mushet invented Tungsten steel in 1868. Steel was used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and Chicago’s Home Insurance Building in the 1880s.
20TH Century
The 20th century experienced two world wars, meaning the demand for steel production increased more than ever. Harry Brearley invented stainless steel in 1912, revolutionizing the steel industry.
Companies made significant development in steel manufacturing in the 1950s and 60s. Not only did manufacturers use steel for weapons development, but steel also made its way to other industries, including agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure.
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